Madrid is one of the best LGBTQ+ destinations in the world and its annual Pride is a must attend for thousands of people from across the world. The celebrations usually begin every year on 28 June (International Pride Day, which commemorates the StoneWall riots that marked the beginning of the LGBT protest movement). The festivities then continue for a week with a wide range of political activism, cultural, and fun activities. The biggest day is the afternoon of the first Saturday in July when the Madrid Pride Parade usually takes place (from Atocha train station to Plaza de Colón).
Although the majority of activities are held in the Chueca neighbourhood, one of Madrid’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant areas, Pride is enjoyed across the entire city. Stages hosting concerts and shows are set up in Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, Plaza del Rey, Plaza de Callao and Plaza de España by the LGBTI Pride Organising Committee which is composed of the National Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals (FELGTB), COGAM, the LGTBIQA+ Madrid Collective and the Association of Companies and Professionals for Gays, Trans people and Bisexuals (AEGAL).
2023's edition will take place between 23 June and 2 July.
Everyone's Pride
The main event of Gay Pride week is undoubtedly the parade. Every year on the first Saturday of July thousands of people in Madrid march from Atocha (Paseo del Prado next to the Botanical Gardens) to Colón to demand equal rights for the LGBTIQA+ community. Attendees enjoy an incredible atmosphere as they take to the street to celebrate and embrace diversity.
In addition to the parade, Madrid Pride features a host of other events that send out a strong message of support, warmth, colour, visibility and hope. Concerts are held on various stages dotted around the city centre, and the official opening ceremony always takes place on the stage of Plaza de Pedro Zerolo with a speech delivered by someone from the LGBTIQA+ community. Other unmissable events include the Race for Diversity Pride, Madrid Summit (the annual International Conference on Human Rights where politicians, activists and personalities from the community discuss LGBTIQA+ rights), the Mr Gay Pride España contest (whose final is held on the stage in Plaza de España) and the popular High-Heels Race.
Madrid Pride Parade (Saturday 1 July 2023, TBC)
The largest act of political activism in the LGBTQ+ world is the main event at the Pride celebrations: the LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. This march runs every year on the first Saturday in July along one of the main roads in the city, from Atocha (Paseo del Prado, by the Botanical Garden) to Colón, to demand tolerance and equality for the LGBTQ+ collective, although it also has a very festive atmosphere in the form of floats and music.
2023 Pride Calendar
- Friday 23 June: CHUECA’s PRIDE
Local Pride celebrations kick off with several events taking place around the neighbourhood of Chueca.
- Sunday 25 June: FEATHERS AND PAWS
Bring your pet and show that you’re against animal abuse as well (Plaza de Pedro Zerolo. From 7pm)
- Wednesday 28 June: PRIDE PROCLAMATION
The official proclamation marking the start of the Pride celebrations
- 28 June to 2 July. MUSIC PERFORMANCES
On the stages set up in the Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, Plaza del Rey, Plaza de Callao, and Plaza de España.
- Thursday 29 June: HIGH HEEL RACE
Madrid’s LGBTI Pride celebrations wouldn’t be the same without the traditional High Heel Race, a festive-sporting event that is celebrating its twenty-third edition this year in Calle Pelayo, where runners have to finish the race in up to 6 inch heels.
- Friday 30 June: 16th EDITION MR. GAY PRIDE ESPAÑA
An event that is committed to making the Best Pride in Europe even greater.
- Saturday 1 July: PRIDE MARCH. The Pride March is the main event.
- Sunday 2 July: MADO'23 CLOSING CEREMONY. The final event of Madrid Pride.
More information:
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